The Asia-Pacific region is the focus of considerable attention because of its economic influence, its demographic weight and the number of political, strategic and security challenges it faces. IRIS’ Asia‑Pacific Programme seeks to understand major trends in the region while also providing in-depth analysis of its countries and the specific issues they face.

The Asia-Pacific Programmes major objective is to provide in-depth analysis of the various political, economic and security issues facing the region, while also stepping back from current events to develop functional and sustainable frameworks for understanding Asia-Pacific. Through IRIS, researchers can pursue their fields of study, draw on colleagues’ research in other fields and explore the intersectionality between these various points of view.

Internationally renowned expertise

The Asia-Pacific research team is recognised nationally and internationally for its work. They have been commissioned to prepare consultancy reports, research and studies on the region’s strategic issues for both public- and private-sector clients.

To help companies navigate and advance in a complex environment and grow internationally, IRIS offers a range of services and expertise that are suited to short-, medium- and long-term needs and strategies.

An in-depth expertise

With the region’s rich diversity, the IRIS Asia-Pacific Programme is organised around five thematic research areas, divided geographically:

IRIS has particular expertise in Asia-Pacific security and defence issues, but the Programme’s scope is wide and covers:

Political changes in the region; power dynamics and diplomatic relations; economic and social issues; questions of regional integration; military presence and the threat of conflict; resources and resource-related issues; soft-power strategies; cultural policies; America’s Asia-Pacific policy; France’s Asia-Pacific policy; connections with other major powers.

“Asia Focus”, an Asia Programmes’ Collection

The Asia-Pacific programme has developed the Asia Focus collection to disseminate it findings and share its knowledge. The collection offers analysis, interviews with experts and key figures, and commentary on major publications by French and international Asia-Pacific specialists. Its goal is to deepen our understanding of current events and to provide insight into issues currently facing the region, with a special focus on politics, security, economics, culture and social studies.

Expertise, network

The Asia-Pacific Programme regularly organises public and private events on the region to share knowledge, foster debate and exchange views.

The Programme makes its knowledge, expertise and research network available through a wide range of events organised for public and private clients.

Private events are designed to foster the exchange of views and facilitate discussion among high‑level decision-makers in an intimate and informal setting. Public events are an opportunity to promote and discuss strategic research focuses for clients.

Knowledge

IRIS’ research and training teams are involved in developing these events. With more than 50 events organised each year, the Institute also has a dedicated event management team to deal with logistics and practical matters. Recognition of IRIS and the strength of its network are testaments to the success of IRIS events in this field.

The Institute’s conference centre, located in the heart of Paris, is bookable for such events. The centre has a fully equipped auditorium as well as an adjacent room that is ideal for smaller gatherings.

Custom-designed training

Building on its analytical and consultancy skills, and its diverse network of researchers, the Asia‑Pacific Programme offers custom-designed training courses for clients that can be held on-site or in IRIS facilities. Courses deal with a range of regional strategic, political and intercultural issues. They are designed to meet specific client needs.

Courses are developed in collaboration with a company’s human resources and strategic planning departments and its international divisions. The courses are designed to meet specific client needs.

The Ministry for Labour, Employment, Vocational Training and Industrial Relations recognises IRIS courses as certified professional developed courses.

IRIS, a training expert

IRIS has offered thematic and specialised professional development courses in its premises for over 15 years. Courses are designed for students to acquire new skills and to instruct the business community and government officials on major international issues. Often, courses have a geographic focus, such as the “Which way for Russia?” course that studies the political, economic and geostrategic outlook for the Russian world.

The IRIS Sup’ school also offers degree programmes for professionals. There are five courses in a year over the course of eight months. With working professionals in mind, courses are organised two days a week. There are also two distance education courses for students to work at their own pace in a structured learning environment.

IRIS offers a number of short-term, skills-development programmes as well.